Just for Students

The Academy of Expressive Dance

Making dreams a reality since 1991

Just for Students

I want to know about:

· How to do the splits

· How to improve my pirouettes

· What is “pre-pointe” class?

· What are pointe shoes made of?

Answers to the above questions are below….

Have a suggestion of something else we should include here? Email us and let us know!

Andrea’s Recommended Reads:

Know a good dance-related book that you’d like to share? Email us and we’ll post it!

The Splits:

Every dancer yearns to be able to slide effortlessly into the perfect splits. For a few, this may come naturally, but for most, it is something that has to be worked at constantly. Here are a few exercises to practice for the forward splits:

Forward lunge: This stretches the front of the leg from the hip so that it can stretch back behind you. Make sure your knee creates a right angle (square shape) as you press down in you hips. Your back leg should try and remain as straight as possible to get the best stretch.

Hamstring stretch: This stretches the back of your leg so it can stretch out in front of you. There are many different stretches for this; one is to touch your toes keeping your legs straight, another is to sit on one knee with your other leg straight in front of you. Bend forward, keeping your back and your leg as straight as possible.

What are pointe shoes made of? In the 1890’s, the cobblers of the day relied on the materials that were available to them; burlap, leather, paper, canvas, and glue. Over the years, pointe shoes grew heavier and sturdier, widened at the platform, and evolved into many shapes and styles, but even today, most are made the old way. It was not until the late twentieth century that synthetic components made from thermoplastic elastomers and urethane foams were successfully introduced into pointe shoe design.

What is “Pre-Pointe “ Class? Pre-Pointe is a special class that students may take once they reach a minimum of Level 3 ballet. It is taken in addition to their regular class, and once in the second year of pre-pointe class, students must be taking a minimum of two ballet classes per week. Pre-Pointe class consists of special exercises devoted to strengthen the feet, ankles, and legs for pointe work. The teacher must assess each student to determine the readiness for beginning actual pointe work. Any student may benefit from the special foot and ankle exercises presented in the pre-pointe class, but a student must be proficient in both regular ballet class as well as show strength and understanding of technique before being allowed to “go up” on pointe.

To improve your pirouettes:

Ah, the “dreaded” pirouette. No matter if you are in jazz, tap, or ballet class, you need to keep the following things in mind in order to perfect your turn. Always master a single turn before trying to add more revolutions.

1. The most important thing to remember in any turn is SPOTTING. You must be able to spot well in order to turn.

2. Your body must be held straight: shoulders over hips, hips over knees, knees over toes. Your tummy and bottom should be pulled in, so that every muscle is in control.

3. Think about turning like a tornado; starting lower and whirling upwards to the finish. Visualization is a powerful tool (and can be used for any step, not just pirouettes).

4. Your arms should be strong and stay with you (and help keep you centered) as you turn...they shouldn’t be like wet spaghetti flying around.

5. Your preparation is as important (perhaps even more so) as your finish. Place your feet properly, use your Plie to “spring into action”. Never be afraid to “attack” your pirouette! Just stay in control and aware of your body.

6. Be positive. You will prove yourself right if you start off by saying “I’m never going to be able to do this.” It’s just like “Yoda” from Star Wars says: “Do or do not. There is no try”.

“The Ballet Companion”, by Eliza Gaynor Minden. Every dancer should read this book! An excellent guide from everything from ballet history to ballet basics to terms, to staying healthy and injury-free. It is easy to read, with a wide range of topics. Very well written.

“Footnotes”, by Frank Augustyn and Shelley Tanaka. This unique book gives an outline of famous ballet stories while also telling a bit of ballet history and insights from a dancer’s viewpoint. Very interesting. Lots of info packed into this book!

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About Us

Classes & Schedules

Parents Page

Just for Students

Imagine that Boutique

Events & Links